Watch out - thieves about!

Reducing theft in the company with video surveillance

Annually, in Germany, Austria and Switzerland goods for roughly 7 billion euros are stolen in retail trade alone. Thieves also operate in warehouses, production locations and in offices. If one considers the low crime detection rate for thefts (approx. 20 per cent) and the high percentage of repeat offenders (more than 60 per cent), then the advantages of a detailed surveillance with the chance of identifying the culprits are pretty obvious.

Theft is a problem for every company

Modern thieves will steal anything that isn't fixed to the floor. No company is safe from theft because through the internet almost every product can find a buyer somewhere.

Five tips to reduce theft

Analyse the critical areas:Thieves prefer to do their deeds in areas where they are least noticed.

Keep a watchful eye on all the company areas:Usually sales is the place to focus on, but a lot can be stolen from offices and the production area too.

Make all your staff more aware of the problem:Discuss the subject during company events, issue clear (legally verified) instructions for any dealings with thieves.

Use video surveillance for preservation of evidence:All surveillance in the company must be in line with statutory regulations.

If the worse comes to the worst:Involve the police as soon as possible, and always press charges against thieves.

Shoplifter tricks

Traditionally thieves like to "swipe" things when in shops. They conceal their stolen goods in their clothing, in prams or in the packaging for other articles. With video surveillance from ABUS you can uncover these typical tricks:

The sales receipt trick

A sales receipt left by another customer is picked up, the thief then enters the shop, takes an article from the shelf before returning with the sales receipt to the cash register.

The complaint trick

A customer buys e.g. an electronic device, returns to the shop the next day, takes an identical device from the shelf, then complains about it and has the amount reimbursed.